Graphically, Splinter Cell: Blacklist is super clean to look at. There are occasionally some small issues during the cutscenes, but nothing distracting. The textures in the game are spot-on and the lighting effects play a huge factor in the game and are executed with great precision. The environments also “breathe,” and this is something many sandbox games have been doing lately. Conviction’s world felt alive and open, even if you had a linear path, but in Blacklist, I felt the world was more refined. This is definitely something that helps authenticate the world of Sam Fisher and the fears the game instills upon the player.

Regrettably, the voice acting of Sam Fisher has changed. Michael Ironside doesn’t provide his legendary voice to Sam Fisher, which is somewhat disheartening, but at the same time, new fellow Eric Johnson does a fantastic job carrying the torch. After a few missions, Johnson’s Fisher transcends the complaints about the absence of Ironside. The rest of the performances are all handled incredibly well. There’s a sense of believability from the script and the emoting voice-over work in the demanding story arc.

Splinter Cell: Blacklist has a lot to talk about in the game. I hate to give spoilers in my reviews because it is important that the player is able to enjoy the experience the same way I did. I will say this, however, Splinter Cell: Blacklist has become one of my personal favorite titles this year. The story is engaging, the characters have a sense of depth to them I enjoy, and the stealth action rivals, if not surpasses, the most recent Metal Gear entry. All in all, this is a game designed for players who bide their time before sneaking behind an enemy and sending them on to the great beyond. Of course, if you are the player that likes the balls-to-the-wall, guns-a-blazin’ action, there’s that too. It’s a win-win for everyone but the enemy.

ByMatt Walker
Editor-In-Chief
Date: August 19, 2013

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.4

GraphicsThis is a great looking game.

4.2

ControlIntuitive and very natural feeling.

4.3

Music / Sound FX / Voice ActingNew voice for Sam took a bit to get used to, but all performances were great.

4.2

Play ValueWalking a thin line between stealth and action, Splinter Cell: Blacklist does an exceptional job.

4.3

Overall Rating - GreatNot an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend

0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid

2.5 - 2.9 = Average

3.5 - 3.9 = Good

4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy

2.0 - 2.4 = Poor

3.0 - 3.4 = Fair

4.0 - 4.4 = Great

5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Sam is back in his tactical suit and goggles, and he's more deadly than ever. He is the only secret operative with the power to act above the law, and uses ruthless methods to interrogate enemies in order to extract crucial information that will prevent the next Blacklist attack.

Always one step ahead, Killing In Motion lets Sam strike with lethal precision by marking and executing multiple enemies in one fluid motion. Active Sprint allows him to traverse the environment easily and fluidly, climb walls, and leap over barriers in order to reach his next target while on the move.

Infiltrate terrorist cells by using new gadgets such as the upgraded snake cam and micro-trirotor drone which allows Sam to scout ahead, mark targets remotely, distract enemies, or explode with frag-grenade force. Splinter Cell: Blacklist is also bringing back fan-favorites like the Sticky Shocker, and for close quarters combat, players can wield the curved and brutal Karambit knife.

Sam and his team are aware of terrorist attacks in real time thanks to the Strategic Mission Interface (SMI). The SMI allows the team to receive data about mission objectives while on the move. Players can earn money for completing missions and objectives and buy upgraded weapons and items from the SMI hub aboard the Paladin.